Maiden flight of Diamond DART-750 prototype

On 12 June 2023, the prototype of a new military trainer, the Diamond DART-750, with registration OE-VHS, made its first flight from Wiener Neustadt, Austria. DART stands for Diamond Aircraft Reconnaissance Trainer.

The DART-750 is powered by the well-known Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C of 550 kW (750 shaft HP). This engine gives the new 750 some external commonality with other trainers like the T-6 Texan II and the Super Tucano. But, in contrast with the latter aircraft types the Diamond is a full composite airframe.

The structure is both strong and saves weight, which gives full aerobatic characteristics with safety from +6 to -4 G. The cockpit layout is state of the art with Garmin 3000 avionics.

The 750 is offered as part of a full package of basic training which, next to the planes, includes simulator and computer based training. EASA certification of the DART-750 is expected in 2024.

The 750 model is the third in a line of single engine tandem seat turboprop trainers. The earliest model, the 450 was launched in 2014. It was powered by an Ivchenko Progress AI-450S engine of 370 kW (500 HP). The prototype, OE-VDA, made its first flight on 17 May 2016.

The second version, designated DART-550, was powered by a 404 kW (550 HP) General Electric GE H75-100 and equipped with two Martin-Baker Mk16 ejection seats. The prototype 550, OE-VGE, made its first flight on 24 May 2018.

In October 2020, representatives of the Luchtcomponent (BAF, Belgian Air Force) visited the Diamond factory in Wiener Neustadt to inspect and fly the DART-550. It is one of the candidates for the replacement of the fleet of Belgian SF260 primary trainers.

Photos: Diamond Aircraft (Top: DART-750, bottom DART-550)